Thursday, 26 May 2011

White chocolate and cranberry brownies

It was 4pm in work and I was flagging a bit. I needed a boost. So when, on one of the wards where I was reviewing a patient, a box of Thornton's chocolates was produced from a grateful patient, I thought: 'Yesssssss! Gettt in!!!' in the manner of a rugby player scoring a try.

I delved straight in, without thought or consideration as to which one I was selecting. A fatal error, an amateur's mistake. Because even though I pride myself on being able to tell exactly what almost every chocolate in every chocolate box is, sometimes I make mistakes. Big ones.

For in my rush for a sugar-hit I popped in my mouth the one chocolate I abhore. I can't bear.

Turkish Delight.

Eurgh.

I have never, ever understood how the White Witch tempted Edmund in the Lion, Witch and Wardrobe with an endless supply of Turkish Delight. I scoffed at the thought of such foolish temptation; heck, I'd be running in the opposite direction from this most fearful of tyrrants brandishing Turkish Delight.

Very disappointed that I'd eaten what is really perfumed soap, I headed home and baked up a proper sweet treat: white chocolate and cranberry brownie. Not a White Witch in sight.

White Chocolate and Cranberry Brownies
(adapted from Jill Dupleix in The Times)

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar and vanilla
5. Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat, cool for a minute, then whisk in the egg mixture
6. Sift in the flour and salt, the remaining chopped white chocolate and the cranberries

7. Pour into the prepared pan, smoothing the top
8. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until light golden brown

Baker's notes...

The brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days

The cranberries can be replaced by a nut of your choosing, pecan nuts work particularly well

Ah haha - I sympathise completely with your turkish delight encounter; a similar thing happened to me with Revels - I didn't realise there were new raisin ones and was shoveling them into my mouth without thinking, then I struck raisin, bleurgh! Vile. Anyways, your brownies look soooo good. I definitely prefer white chocolate in a brownie and the addition of cranberries makes for extra yummage!

I'm so glad to hear I'm NOT the only one with an allergy to Turkish Delight Jo and Xinmei!

I know exactly what you mean Kim about the Revels- except my feared one would be the coffee one. I love all the other flavours but due to my hatred of the coffee ones I end up eyeing all the Revels suspiciously. How about I swop you my coffee ones for your raisin ones? Deal?